Rugby: Rising stars return home

Today we take a look at the remaining five Northland Southern Districts Premier sides. Yesterday we saw who Hikurangi, Hora Hora, Mid Northern, Mid Western and Old Boys' Marist thought were their up-and-comers and players to watch this season. Today we see who Kamo, Otamatea, Waipu, Wellsford and the Western Sharks believe are theirs.

KAMO

Premier Coaches: John Miller, Barry Herman.

Manager: Ian Mason.

Player to Watch: Jayden Cravac.

Cravac is a 19-year-old who, so far this season, he has played every game at fullback. His confidence is growing and he is getting better with every game. The ex-Whangarei Boys' High School first XV player is known for his big punt, expert positioning and lack of fear on defence.

Up and Coming Player: Roy Griffin.

Griffin is in his come-back season after spending last year overseas playing. The former Northland lock will be looking for a big year to help push his case for re-selection into the Northland ITM Cup team. Premier coach John Miller said Griffin is one of those players who just puts his head down and leads by example. Griffin is known as a hard trainer with a great attitude towards his chosen sport.

OTAMATEA

Premier Coaches: Paul Mant, Mike Peeni.

Managers: Gary Kingi, Hamish Small.

Premier Reserves Coaches: Mike Tovine, Graham Slatts.

Manager: Hone Peeni.

Player to Watch: John-Luke Whitehead.

Whitehead is a 22-year-old who is equally at home at first-five or fullback for the Otamatea Hawks. He is a born-and-bred Kaiwaka boy and having grown up in the club, 2013 could be Whitehead's year to shine. With electric acceleration, great footwork and the ability to put players in space he is a key part of the Hawks rebuilding year in 2013.

Otamatea coach Paul Mant said: "[Whitehead] is an out and out talent and an absolutely key member of our side, he has a great attitude and his vision for the game is as good as I have come across."

Up and Coming Player: Wheriko Tawhiri.

Tawhiri is an 18-year-old halfback who has burst onto the Northland scene, earning a starting jersey in the Northland Maori Championship winning team this year, and making his presence felt on field in the early rounds of the premier competition. In 2012, Tawhiri was a member of the Mt Albert Grammar First XV.

With a road block of halfbacks in the North Harbour area, where he resides, Tawhiri has decided to push his chances for higher honours in Northland. With a superb pass, footwork that leaves defences flat-footed and a strong defensive game, he is a complete player with maturity beyond his years. Tawhiri hopes to earn the opportunity to be in contention for New Zealand under-20s side in 2014, and a stellar premier season could well see his dreams come to fruition.

WAIPU

Premier Coaches: Dean Kenney, Nathan Jacoby.

Manager: Carl Pereira.

Premier Reserve Coaches: Alyn Jones, Brooke Gilmore.

Managers: Robin Groom, Russell Boyd.

Player to Watch: Brent Murray.

An integral member of the Mid Western team for the past three years, Murray has returned to his club of origin since their promotion to division one this year. The experience of winning two club finals, and higher representative honours, will prove invaluable for the young and talented Waipu team.

Up and Coming Player: Dalton Tapper.

Tapper is taking a huge leap up from Waipu under-18s into the premier grade. The young man, soon to be 19, is currently being used at lock for the top team. Tapper's willingness to learn and positive attitude at training has shown in his on-field play.

WELLSFORD

Premier Coaches: Paul Humfrey, Scott Brady.

Premier Manager: Daniel Heywood.

Premier Reserve Coaches: Peter Hugo, Mick Sweetman.

Manager: Kirk Sullivan.

Player to Watch: Mitchell Fleming.

Fleming is an openside flanker who was the player of the year for Wellsford in 2012, and has started the season showing the same kind of form that got Wellsford to the final. He is a robust and determined player who is in the thick of everything and able to play the full 80 minutes.

Up and Coming Player: Shaun Sweetman.

The 19-year-old Sweetman showed early glimpses of his potential in pre-season, dominating players defensively and on attack with his size and aggression. He has been used to good affect as a starting player and impact off the bench in 2013. Sweetman is getting better with each game and is helped by being a great trainer who is a team man with a bright future.

WESTERN SHARKS

Premier Coaches: Craig Williamson, David Hutchinson, Sam Biddles.

Manager: Erin McEvoy.

Premier Reserve Coaches: Darrel Bradley, Henry Kemp.

Manager: Luke Bycroft.

Player to Watch: Matthew Matich.

Northern Wairoa born-and-bred but educated at Mt Albert Grammar School, Matich has returned home to play with the goal to make the Northland team. He is a top level flanker with a considerable physical presence. Matich shows maturity and a high skill level which comes from playing Auckland age group rugby. In 2010, he was the first recipient of the John Drake Memorial Scholarship.

Up and Coming Player: Josef Glamuzina.

Glamuzina is a returning local boy with a high skill level. He plays his position of fullback with a good kicking game and has a physical presence on the field. Glamuzina was educated at Auckland Grammar where he played for the first XV before playing senior rugby in Otago while studying at university.